Students in an early childhood degree program base their practice on knowledge of child development and understanding developmental characteristics and needs of young children. This includes understanding child development theory and the implications for all developmental domains. Students also develop an understanding and working knowledge of assessment uses and practices. Students integrate into their practice knowledge gained through research, and reflect on their practices to inform their ongoing work with young children.
To complete the Developmental Theorist Observations, the student will observe both a preschool and school age child to record skills and behaviors that reflect Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development and Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development. To prepare for the assignment, the student will research the key elements of each theory, becoming knowledgeable of the implications of the theory for child development during the early childhood and middle childhood periods of development. (Information from the text, as well as information from other courses and independent research may be used to complete this assignment.) Following the observations, the student will analyze the behaviors observed related to the stages within each of the developmental theories. A written report summarizing findings and student reflection will be submitted.
The NAEYC standards, key elements and supportive skills on which this assignment is based are indicated below. Assessment of the student learning outcomes is further detailed in the Developmental Theorists Observation rubric provided.
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